Storm Could Tuesday’s “Rush Hour” Into “Slush Hour”

STATE – State officials are advising drivers to slow down and exercise caution during Tuesday morning’s “rush hour” commute. The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for much of the state from late tonight through Wednesday evening.

The storm is expected to bring a wintry mix of wet snow, sleet and rain throughout portions of New Jersey’s southern, central and northern counties. In central New Jersey, the precipitation will begin as snow late tonight and will begin mixing with and changing over to sleet on Tuesday afternoon according to a National Weather Service forecast. Freezing rain will change to rain on Wednesday afternoon.

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Between 2 to 6 inches of snow could fall from tonight into Tuesday. Ice accumulations from a quarter to a half inch are possible Tuesday into Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Travel is likely to become difficult due to the weather conditions and potential ice accumulations on tree limbs and utility wires could lead to power outages.

Motorists can check current road conditions at the New Jersey Department of Transportation website, www.511nj.org. Mass transit customers can check www.njtransit.com for the latest travel alerts and advisories.

Fuentes offered the following driving tips:

Always buckle your seat belt.

Brake properly to avoid skidding. If driving on snow or ice, start slowly and brake gently. Begin braking early when approaching an intersection.

If the vehicle starts to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until regaining traction, and then straighten the vehicle. For vehicles with antilock brakes, apply steady pressure.

Stay within the limits of your vision. If it is too difficult to see, pull off the road and stop.

Drive slowly and increase following distance. Vehicle speed should adjust for conditions and match the flow of traffic.